R&B singer Kelly Rowland kicks off campaign alongside Lowe’s employee volunteers
For millions of American kids and teens, back-to-school means more than class time; it also means “Club time” as they spend after-school hours at local Boys & Girls Clubs across the nation. Many of the Club members consider a Boys & Girls Club their home away from home, and each Club strives to be an incubator for creativity, inspiration, individuality and possibility.
But serving millions of kids each year can take a toll on facilities. The Boys & Girls Clubs often depend on donors and grants to help with critical renovations. For the third year, Lowe’s has sponsored Renovation Across the Nation, a campaign to deliver $50,000 grants to 50 Boys & Girls Clubs – one in each state, including the District of Columbia. This year, Lowe’s increased its contribution to $3.8 million, for Clubs to refresh, enhance or expand their facilities. When it came time to bring the upgrades to life, Lowe’s Heroes (employee volunteers) stepped in. **This year, customers can join the cause by donating at any Lowe’s store nationwide now through Oct. 31.
R&B singer Kelly Rowland kicked off the initiative with a surprise appearance at the Fairfield/Westside Boys & Girls Club in Long Beach, California. Rowland, a longtime friend of Boys & Girls Clubs and a mother herself, said she understands the value of the Club experience in bringing hope and strength to kids and teens in need of a safe and inspiring place to go after school. Rowland joined the Lowe’s team to lead 150 youth in several do-it-yourself stations to teach them hands-on skills.
“My passion for community and service has always been a priority for me on and off the stage, and the work that Lowe’s and the Boys & Girls Clubs continue to do in communities across the country aligns with that passion,” Rowland said. “Boys & Girls Clubs are havens for many children and help open doors that lead to great futures. I’m thrilled to help celebrate Renovation Across the Nation alongside Lowe’s Heroes and these amazing kids.”
Since 2009, Boys & Girls Clubs of America and Lowe’s have partnered together to provide more than $18.5MM in grants to local Clubs across the country. For more information, please visit https://www.bgca.org/about-us/our-partners/lowes.
**Due to Hurricane Florence, the customer in-store donation program will not take place in North Carolina.